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As new hit FOX series ‘Empire’ continues to reign over TV competition, viewers are finding more and more reasons to fall in love with the show’s first lady Taraji P. Henson.

Portraying the ever-sassy/sharp-tongued mother figure “Cookie,” the D.C.-born beauty’s tongue-in-cheek humor is finding favor from critics and fans alike as it thematically strays from many of Henson’s previous roles.  When quizzed on the inspiration for the character in a recent ‘Vogue’ interview, readers were stunned to learn that the star looks no further than the Queen B – Lil’ Kim.

Read her interesting quotes below as she reflects on Kim’s influence on hip hop culture, especially as it relates to the genre’s new leading lady Nicki Minaj:

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Rising R&B star Sevyn Streeter shines bright in the video for new single ‘Don’t Kill The Fun’.

Directed by Chris Brown (who not only also features on the track, but also serves as the head of the imprint she’s signed to  – CBE), the visual is reportedly due imminently.

Gander a sneak peek at what to expect after the jump…

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‘ATM Jam’ rapstress Azealia Banks cashes in yet again on the free publicity of angered social media users with her most recent Twitter tirade.

This time aimed at people who have slammed her past homophobic remarks, Banks’ latest comments follow a week long attack on “gay media” and supporters who have hurled insults her way for her reckless use of gay slurs.

Following the “white-face” controversy incited by the photo seen above, tuck in below to see what fury the femcee is igniting now to have Twitter all abuzz:

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It’s another great week for Urban television.

FOX‘s freshman smash ‘Empire’ continues to grow exponentially, while BET are so pleased with the second season performance of ‘Being Mary Jane’ that they’ve renewed the drama for a third run.

Details below…

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True to revolutionary form, legendary pop icon Madonna is taking to yet another unconventional mean to promote her musical endeavors.  Lending popular messaging app Snapchat the green light to premiere the music video for ‘Living For Love,’ the first official single from her new album ‘Rebel Heart,’ the tune’s supporting visual can be found on the app’s ‘Snap Channel’ for fans’ viewing pleasure.

Hopefully redirecting what has to date been a rocky road for the singer’s latest era, the video was directed by French twosome Julien Choquart and Camille Hirigoyen and surfaces just days before the diva is due to render a live performance of its accompanying track at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, live on February 8th and the Brit Awards on February 25th.

It all awaits below:

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Pop pin-up Nick Jonas has been generating ample heat over the last year thanks to his Platinum flavored jam ‘Jealous’.

Lifted from his self-titled debut, the track has helped establish the former Jonas Brothers staple as one of the industry’s hottest new solo stars.

Currently gearing up to hit the road with Iggy Azalea on The Great Escape Tour, the 22-year-old chatted it up with That Grape Juice about his meteoric rise, racy image, gay fans, the media scrutiny of Azalea, his current music and his next project.

Check out the EXCLUSIVE interview below…


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Rihanna‘s got a new groove…and it’s an independent one.

Starring in the forthcoming children’s movie ‘Home’, the ‘Music of the Sun‘ singer is now planning to drop her first independent release this year, doing so with the movie’s soundtrack.

Full story below…

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Reports are flooding in that the family of Bobbi Kristina, the only child of late pop icon Whitney Houston, has been informed by doctors that the time to withdraw lifetime support is imminent.

Delegating the duty to her father Bobby Brown, sources are indicating to a number of outlets that the medical team treating his daughter (who remains in a medically induced coma after being transferred to Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital) is encouraging him to make the decision today…on his 46th birthday.

Full report below:

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Lil Wayne has had enough!

That’s right, after announcing he plans to leave the Cash Money music group with artists Nicki Minaj and Drake, the performer has now announced the release of the ‘Free Weezy‘ album, set to take aim at the chains that tie him to his former friend Birdman.

Full story below…

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Ok, now it’s official – Missy Elliott won the Super Bowl.

As if her sh0w-stealing cameo at the Katy Perry-headlined halftime show wasn’t enough, the social media response was so overwhelming it not only prompted for calls for new music from the rap diva, but also sparked renewed interest in older material from her catalog.

We reported earlier this week that Miss saw a huge leap iTunes USA’s top 10  immediately following her hit-filled performance.  Now, as official numbers roll in, while Perry’s pop hits saw a commendable 92% sales gain, Elliott – on the other hand – saw a gain ten times greater than her ‘Last Friday Night’ co-star.

Apparently being part of the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show seems to have its perks.  Read more below:

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Over the years, Rihanna‘s vocals have mauled many an eardrum. As such, it’s fitting that the Puma model poses in the mouth of a shark in her latest shoot for Harper’s Bazaar.

With new single ‘FourFiveSeconds’ struggling to make the waves of previous releases, the diva has launched an all-out media assault in hopes of pushing the track higher on the charts.

Beyond this feature, the trail will see her sail onto the Grammy Awards stage on Sunday, when she takes to the stage to perform ‘Old McDonald Had A Farm’ ‘FourFive’ alongside Kanye West and Paul McCartney.

Pending then, peep more of the shoot – lensed by Norman Jean Roy – below…

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FOX‘s freshman smash ‘Empire’ is the show on everyone’s lips…and for good reason.

The music-drama serves up a potent package of sass, drama, glamor, and jaw-dropping storylines revolving around the Lyon family – anchored by Luscious (Terrence Howard) and Cookie (Taraji P. Henson).

Next week sees the action continue in episode 6 of season 1. Check out a sneak peek preview below…

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